CEO John Barnes Leaving APTA

The American Physical Therapy Association today announced that CEO John Barnes will be leaving the organization effective July 31. The Board of Directors will launch a national search for a new CEO in the near term, and members will receive information on the process to be used in the search. The Board will appoint an interim CEO to lead the organization during the search process and will announce the interim appointment prior to July 31.

"The Board is grateful to John for his 6 years of service," said APTA President Paul A. Rockar Jr, PT, DPT, MS. "John has been instrumental in bringing a new perspective to the management of APTA as a very successful professional association. Based on a collaborative assessment of next steps for the organization, we believe that this is a time for a change in organizational leadership."

During Barnes' tenure from 2007-2013, APTA increased its membership by 15%, increased its revenues by 20%, and increased its meeting attendance by 51%, providing outstanding meetings and other professional development opportunities for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Barnes oversaw an internal reorganization and a review of governance structure and policy. Due to APTA's solid foundation, the association is well poised to move to its next level of growth.